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Saturday, August 22, 2009

Emerald City Skirt

That's what I would call this little number if I were a copywriter for Anthropologie.Don't you think that must be the most high-pressure job ever? How do they come up with those whimsical names all the time? For example: Flight-of-the-bee dress. Angles Awry Cardigan. Fruit Compote Skirt. Aren't they wonderful? I think I would get burnt out very quickly. It's just a green skirt, damn it!

Anyway, this is a skirt I made last week from my all-time favorite skirt pattern, Burda 8155. I had some of this fabulous wool crepe leftover from my first Joan Holloway dress, just enough with which to make a pencil skirt. I loved the idea of this vivid color in a basic slim silhouette, even though sewing with wool in 96 degree weather is . . . itchy. And sweaty.

I didn't line it because I have so many of these little slips now. I hate lining things, so this is a big plus for me! I've also become very well acquainted with my machine's blind hem function. It's so professional looking and easy.

Sometimes it's fun to make a basic pattern that you know well, don't you think? It refreshes me for the big challenges. Onward!

When I saw your beautiful skirt, my brain went from "I love that pattern!" to "Wait a sec, I OWN that pattern!" I made it up in a beautiful gray pinstripe, but the wonky slit in the back tore my heart out. More exactly, the bizarre slit seam became a pressure point that eventually tore the fabric. I compared the seam construction to my purchased suit skirts and found their slit seams were all made differently to avoid this problem. Did this tearing happen to you, or did you correct for it in some way? Or do I just need to learn to walk more gently?

I also have a 'very easy' burda skirt pattern I've made several times... Alas, I've tried to make it out of thicker fabric and I sadly realized it would only go for spring and summer (typical beginner error)! 8155 might replace it in winter, moreover pencil skirts are quite trendy these days...And as Little Huting Creek says, you not only get a new skirt for 'free', but "you are now legally entitled to buy more fabric"!

Love the skirt. It's so beautiful. You know, I've noticed you have a knack for hemming your skirts at the exact perfect length, especially these Just below the knee skirts. IF it's not too novice a question for your blog, I'd be curious to learn your secrets for hemming success. Also, how did you finish your seams?

Elizabethe, no question is too novice! I have a personal magic hem length, which is 25" from the waist seam. I came to this number by measuring things in my wardrobe that I liked. Now I measure to that length when I'm hemming.

As for seam finishes, I usually use my serger. After I've cut and marked the pieces, I disable the knife on my serger and go around the edges of each piece. Before I had a serger, I used the same method, but with my sewing machine's overcasting foot and stitch. Does that help?

I am in search of the perfect pencil skirt pattern. I've tried a couple, so far I haven't gotten it quite right. I'm going to give this burda pattern a go. It is perfect on you.I am very intrigued by the challenge that you've set for yourself. I am really enjoying the process with you.Well done.Your huge fan in Colorado.